Fall in Love with a Fox Episode 21 Recap
> Fall in Love with a Fox Recap
Men arrived and accused Qu Zheng of killing their lord, Yu Chen. Baiwan immediately stood in front of Qu Zheng, adamantly declaring his innocence based on her knowledge of him and questioning their logic and evidence. Qu Zheng calmly supported Baiwan, demanding the accusers provide proof. As the argument escalated, people from Nonuple Palace arrived. Jing Yuan, the Host of Nonuple Palace, brought Su Zhuozhuo to examine Yu Chen's body.
After her examination, Su Zhuozhuo determined that Yu Chen died from a powerful palm strike, a martial art she had never seen, and not from poison. She concluded that Qu Zheng, who specializes in qin music, could not be the killer. When asked who she thought the murderer might be, she described the killer's internal force as extremely profound, possessed by only a few individuals in the arena, possibly even a match for the Host.
She also noted the victim's bones were broken and internal force drained, suggesting a cruel and potentially dark martial art. Su Zhuozhuo stated that her role was limited to the autopsy and reporting her findings, leaving the investigation of the killer to the Nonuple Palace. Jing Yuan agreed. Subsequently, Jing Yuan and Su Zhuozhuo publicly announced their findings, clearing Qu Zheng of the murder, which brought relief to Baiwan.
Some of Yu Chen's people attempted to bribe the Host to pursue the accusation against Qu Zheng, but were rebuffed. Later, Baiwan demanded Qu Zheng explain the situation, particularly his involvement with the Canon. Qu Zheng readily agreed to tell her everything. He admitted that he orchestrated the plan involving the Canon to investigate the truth behind the Xu family massacre five years prior and to expose the person who stole the Puyuan Canon.
While he had not seen Yu Chen's body firsthand, he speculated that Yu Chen was also killed by someone using the Puyuan Canon, confirming that the culprit responsible for the Xu family tragedy was still active and using the Canon for nefarious purposes. Baiwan realized she had misunderstood Qu Zheng. He explained that he did not feel the need to clarify earlier because he was confident that Baiwan would eventually understand him.
He also addressed her question about him helping her get the Lingyao Herb despite his previous hesitation about her regaining her memories. Qu Zheng admitted he had initially thought that not knowing might lead to a happier life for her, but seeing her determined efforts to recover her memories made him realize he had no right to prevent her from finding her true self, regardless of her past or their relationship.
Baiwan asked if he feared she might return to Nonuple Palace, leave him, or fall for someone else once her memory returned. Qu Zheng confidently stated that he had no such fears because she would always be true to herself and would not do anything she regretted.
He added that their promise to spend their lives together, his trust in her, and his belief that he understands and loves her more than anyone in the world assured him she would never leave or love another. Baiwan felt shy upon hearing his words. Meanwhile, Jin Muqiu was anxiously waiting for Baiwan. Yu Linfeng arrived, having reflected on his actions.
He apologized for disrespecting her hard work on her novels, acknowledging his mistake in suggesting she give up her passion. Jin Muqiu confirmed his words were the source of her anger. Yu Linfeng further informed her that his mother, despite her earlier behavior, understood her actions were inappropriate for an elder and wanted Jin Muqiu to return to Taoyuan Valley, promising to get along with her there. Jin Muqiu was surprised by this news.
Yu Linfeng confirmed his mother's changed attitude and proposed they return to the valley to discuss her writing further. Jin Muqiu asked if he truly didn't blame her for leaving after writing the divorce letter, and he responded that he shared responsibility and could not blame her. She then asked if she could truly be herself and not pretend back in the valley, to which he replied that things would be easier once they returned.
Shortly after leaving Jin Muqiu, Yu Linfeng learned his mother had arrived at the Battle of martial arts by the lake. Jueming, his attendant, noted that both sides would now be exposed and that Yu Linfeng's mother would likely be furious about Jin Muqiu's presence and actions at the event. Yu Linfeng insisted that his mother must not learn the full extent of the situation.
Just then, his mother appeared, declaring she knew everything and expressing anger at Jin Muqiu for participating in the event and disregarding the reputation of Taoyuan Valley. She announced her intention to meet Jin Head Escort the following day to finalize the divorce. Yu Linfeng quickly attempted to appease her, fabricating a story that Jin Muqiu had realized her mistakes and wanted to apologize.
He claimed Jin Muqiu's participation was meant to bring glory to the valley and offered to make her withdraw and return home immediately if his mother disapproved. His mother scoffed, calling Jin Muqiu lawless. Yu Linfeng persisted, assuring his mother that Jin Muqiu had promised to improve and follow her teachings, begging for another chance. His mother agreed to be magnanimous and give Jin Muqiu a chance, expressing hope that she would change as promised.
After his mother departed, Jueming expressed astonishment at Yu Linfeng's newfound ability to lie. Yu Linfeng admitted he had to resort to lies to prevent the divorce, stating that winning back Jin Muqiu's heart was now his priority. Meanwhile, Baiwan sought a craftsman to repair a broken peach blossom hairpin. The craftsman said it was too broken and missing a piece, recommending a new one.
Baiwan insisted it was important to her, asking if there was any way to fix it despite the missing piece. The craftsman remained hesitant. Qu Zheng appeared, producing the missing piece of jade and offering a large sum of silver. The craftsman's attitude immediately changed, and he agreed to repair the hairpin, saying he would do his best to fulfill her wish. The hairpin was successfully repaired, symbolizing their renewed connection.
Baiwan asked Qu Zheng how he found the missing piece, suspecting he might have confronted the thief. Qu Zheng replied that a husband must pay attention when his wife travels alone. Baiwan reminded him that their marriage contract was dissolved. Qu Zheng playfully threatened to give the hairpin to someone else if she insisted on that, prompting Baiwan to stop him and assert that both the hairpin and he belonged to her.
Qu Zheng reaffirmed that both the hairpin and the giver were hers forever and then asked for something in return – a wife to spend his life with, solidifying their reconciliation. Witnessing their mended relationship, Su Zhuozhuo was puzzled. She later tried to pry details from Song Jianshan, offering him sweets. Song Jianshan deflected, calling it normal for couples to fight and make up, and implying Baiwan's understanding of Qu Zheng came from her own experiences.
When Su Zhuozhuo pressed him for more information about Qu Zheng, Song Jianshan refused to disclose anything, saying it was "unspeakable." Annoyed by his refusal, Su Zhuozhuo poisoned the sweets, warning him they were within her reach. Song Jianshan ate them anyway, confirming she had poisoned him again, but noted they tasted good. Su Zhuozhuo asserted she had ways to make him talk.
A servant rushed to Yu Linfeng with news that his mother had summoned Jin Muqiu early that morning, confirming Jueming's fears that both sides of Yu Linfeng's deception were about to be exposed. Yu Linfeng hurried to the scene, which had descended into chaos.
The Taoyuan Valley family members were demanding Jin Muqiu adhere to their strict rules if she wished to marry into their family, while Jin Muqiu's family accused Taoyuan Valley of deceit and bullying, particularly regarding the burning of her novels, for which they demanded an apology. Taoyuan Valley elders refused to apologize to a junior. Upon arriving, Yu Linfeng was immediately confronted and accused of being a liar who had manipulated both families.
Jin Head Escort tried to calm the situation, calling it a family matter that needed to be resolved privately, but Jin Muqiu's side was outraged by her treatment. Taoyuan Valley insisted Jin Muqiu was ill-mannered. Jin Muqiu declared that she and Yu Linfeng were already divorced. Yu Linfeng desperately tried to stop her, but she insisted he had pushed her to this point. She refused to return with him, stating they were from different worlds and should remain separate.
Yu Linfeng refused to accept this, insisting she was his wife and he would bring her into his world, vowing never to give up. When she remained unswayed, he threatened to bring the entire martial arts world to persuade her. Jin Muqiu accepted his challenge, agreeing to settle the matter on the Ring for Battle of martial arts by the lake the following day.
The first match of the Battle of martial arts by the lake Ring competition was announced: Yu Linfeng, the Young Lord of Taoyuan Valley, versus Jin Muqiu, the Miss of Jin's Escort Agency. Spectators were surprised, noting she was rumored to be Yu Linfeng's wife who had recently divorced him. Jin Head Escort attempted to intervene, urging Jin Muqiu to step down and promising to handle the divorce amicably without resort to violence.
However, Jin Muqiu insisted on resolving the matter herself, telling her father not to interfere. A referee from Nonuple Palace stepped in, forbidding any interference as per the competition rules. Yu Linfeng asked Jin Muqiu if she was truly determined to proceed.
They publicly declared their stakes: if Yu Linfeng won, Jin Muqiu would return to Taoyuan Valley and the divorce would be nullified; if Jin Muqiu won, it would be as though she had never married into Taoyuan Valley, and they would never see each other again. Yu Linfeng urged her to give up, stating she couldn't defeat him, but Jin Muqiu countered that the outcome was not yet decided. During the match, Jin Muqiu was injured.
Yu Linfeng urged her to stop, but she reiterated that if she won, they would never meet again. Jin Muqiu was declared the winner. Yu Linfeng appeared injured. People observed that he seemed to have lost on purpose to protect her. The referee confirmed that according to the martial arts stake, Yu Linfeng was bound never to see Jin Muqiu again. Yu Linfeng accepted the condition.
Jin Muqiu wept, regretting that his loss meant she could no longer see him or check on his injuries, blaming herself. Baiwan comforted her, promising to find a way to help. Desperate to help Jin Muqiu, Baiwan sought someone to discuss canceling the martial arts stake. She found a referee on the platform. When she asked about canceling the stake, the referee explained it was an irrevocable law.
Baiwan questioned the wisdom of those who made such rules, calling them "stupid old fools." The referee then revealed that the rule was established by esteemed figures including the former Lord of Taoyuan Valley, Yufei, and Jin Head Escort, Jin Gunan. Baiwan quickly retracted her comment about Jin Head Escort being foolish and suggested discussing the matter with him to find a solution.
The referee stopped her, pointing out that she had just struck the challenge drum on the platform, inviting a Nonuple Palace disciple, Feilian, to the Ring. The referee announced that Baiwan's opponent for the match in two days was now Feilian. Baiwan was bewildered, claiming ignorance of this rule, but the referee declared the challenge drum had been struck, and the match was set.
Feilian, a disciple of Nonuple Palace, discussed Jin Baiwan's challenge with Jing Yuan and Jing Yuan's brother, the Young Host of Nonuple Palace. Feilian remarked on Baiwan's foolishness in challenging after losing her memory and skills. The Young Host acknowledged that this presented Feilian with an opportunity to challenge the former Xueyue (Baiwan's previous identity). Feilian stated he understood and would make Baiwan suffer during the match. However, the Young Host sternly warned Feilian not to harm Chu (Baiwan).
Feilian argued that Baiwan had challenged herself according to the rules. The Young Host reiterated his threat, stating he would not let them off if they dared to injure Chu on the Ring. Feilian dismissed the threat, pointing out that even if he held back, Baiwan was facing the entire Battle of martial arts by the lake, and the Young Host would be powerless to stop it.
Understanding the difficult challenge ahead, Baiwan began practicing diligently, despite her current lack of skill. Qu Zheng observed her efforts, commenting that even such hard training might not significantly help her against Feilian. Baiwan insisted that every minute of practice offered a greater chance of winning. Qu Zheng admitted that, realistically, defeating Feilian with her current abilities seemed almost impossible. However, Baiwan remained determined to fight for the Lingyao Herb, feeling that intensive training was her only option.
Qu Zheng told her she wasn't without options and offered to help her practice. While he would prefer she forfeit the match, he respected her resolve. He offered to teach her three moves to use against Feilian. The first move, called "Lure the enemy," involved appearing weak to paralyze the opponent, using defensive postures to find openings for counterattacks. The second move, "Hold fast," involved matching the opponent's rhythm and extending the fight duration while strengthening defenses to prevent breakthroughs and provoke the opponent.
